Hester faces unjust judgment, her sinful act was not committed alone and although she faces a life of judgment Dimmesdale, who is equally sinful, lives without judgment. Dimmesdale's status as a reverend places him above Hester, and his relationship with the church suggests that he is pure and free from sin. The people of the town love Dimmesdale and believe he is the perfect example of a Christian, demonstrating the unequal treatment of people that religion breeds. The people of the town are blinded by Dimmesdale's connection to the church, when speaking of him in relation to Hester's sin it is claimed that he "takes it very much to heart that such a scandal has fallen upon his congregation", showing that his status makes him free from associations or judgments. This also highlights the unequal aspects of religion in terms of gender, as a female Hester is placed with full responsibility for sin and the birth of a child. Living with sin, Hester also becomes aware of the unequal judgment she faces and acts as a moral judge. From an outsider's perspective she realizes that many people around her have sinned, "criticizing everyone with barely more reverence than an Indian would feel for the clerical gang", showing the power of religion and how not everyone pays for the own sins. Federico also witnesses inequality